‘WE ARE WITH THEM’
SRH giving emotional support to Afghan players
The ongoing socio-political crisis in Afghanistan has focussed attention on Afghan cricketers — Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeebur-Rahman — who are part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Batting legend and SRH’s mentor VVS Laxman says the team is in touch with Rashid and the other players, and has been giving them the required emotional support.
“It’s unfortunate,” he says, referring to developments in Afghanistan.
“We (SRH Management, support staff, owners, and the players) are obviously concerned about the players and their extended family there; we are also praying for the peace.”
Describing the Afghan players as part of the
SRH family, he says, “We have been working with them for the past few years and we all gel well together as a cohesive unit. So everyone here is doing their bit to give psychological support to the Afghan players.”
Laxman also said Nabi’s mother was ailing. Apparently, there has been speculation about the Afghan players’ availability for the remainder of the IPL tournament to be held in UAE from September 19. (The tournament was suspended mid-way due to the COVID situation).
However, Laxman was optimistic that they would be able to make it.
We are in touch with Afghan players in our WhatsApp group and we have been constantly giving them moral support. They are part of the SRH family. We have been working with them for the past few years and we all gel well as a cohesive unit. So everyone here is doing their bit to give emotional
and psychological support to them
VVS Laxman, Mentor, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)